The end of summer has its advantages, like apples being ready to pluck from the tree. We're going for an easy group hike before visiting a local orchard where we'll be given a 5lb bag to fill with apples.
Hike Length: 10km
Terrain: An easy hike through forest that's fairly flat and on dirt and sandy trails
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time.
08:50 - Those leaving from Keele meet at the PetroCanada by Keele Station
09:00: Shuttle leaves from PetroCanada at Keele Station. Please note that we leave dead on 9am and can't wait for latecomers.
09:15 - Second pick up from Union Station. We're in Grasshopper, the big red van and will pull in at the main Front Street entrance opposite the entrance to the Fairmont Hotel.
09:15 - We leave from Union Station. Please note that we leave dead on time and can't wait for latecomers!
10:15 - Meet self-drivers at the Eldrid King Woodlands trail head and begin Hike. Self-drivers - please note that you will need to be at the trail head on time, it's recommended that you arrive a few minutes early so you don't miss the group.
Depending on how long the hike takes, you can either eat lunch during the hike or once you've got to the Orchard.
13:30 - 15:00 - Orchard visit to Organics Farm. Pay $15 entrance at the farm (this will not be charged in advance)
16:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto - N.B drop off will exclusively be at Keele Station not Union.
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Remember to pack a lunch, some snacks and at least 1l of water.
Everyone will need to pay $15 to enter the Orchard. This includes a 5lb bag of apples.
Horses and Mountain Bikes on the trail - Look out and give room to other trail users.
Sunburn/heat stroke/dehydration - Wear sunscreen and a sun hat. Make sure that you hydrate regularly
Ticks - Black legged ticks may be present in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Nations who still have connections to the area are the Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation the Huron Wendat, the Anishnabe and Haudenosaunee.
The end of summer has its advantages, like apples being ready to pluck from the tree. We're going for an easy group hike before visiting a local orchard where we'll be given a 5lb bag to fill with apples.
Hike Length: 10km
Terrain: An easy hike through forest that's fairly flat and on dirt and sandy trails
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time.
08:50 - Those leaving from Keele meet at the PetroCanada by Keele Station
09:00: Shuttle leaves from PetroCanada at Keele Station. Please note that we leave dead on 9am and can't wait for latecomers.
09:15 - Second pick up from Union Station. We're in Grasshopper, the big red van and will pull in at the main Front Street entrance opposite the entrance to the Fairmont Hotel.
09:15 - We leave from Union Station. Please note that we leave dead on time and can't wait for latecomers!
10:15 - Meet self-drivers at the Eldrid King Woodlands trail head and begin Hike. Self-drivers - please note that you will need to be at the trail head on time, it's recommended that you arrive a few minutes early so you don't miss the group.
Depending on how long the hike takes, you can either eat lunch during the hike or once you've got to the Orchard.
13:30 - 15:00 - Orchard visit to Organics Farm. Pay $15 entrance at the farm (this will not be charged in advance)
16:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto - N.B drop off will exclusively be at Keele Station not Union.
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Remember to pack a lunch, some snacks and at least 1l of water.
Everyone will need to pay $15 to enter the Orchard. This includes a 5lb bag of apples.
Horses and Mountain Bikes on the trail - Look out and give room to other trail users.
Sunburn/heat stroke/dehydration - Wear sunscreen and a sun hat. Make sure that you hydrate regularly
Ticks - Black legged ticks may be present in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Nations who still have connections to the area are the Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation the Huron Wendat, the Anishnabe and Haudenosaunee.
